Welcome Bay dairy farmers Andrew and Robyn McLeod are once again giving the public the chance to experience a slice of life on their farm on Farmday next weekend.

Sunday, March 29 will be the fourth time they have hosted the Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers Farmday, with over 1000 people attending last year.

Watching cows being milked will be a big attraction at Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers' Farmdays on March 29.

Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers' spokesperson Steve Bailey says the day is an important one for many reasons.

'People who have never visited a farm have the chance to get some idea of what happens,” explains Steve.

'It's also an opportunity for anyone interested in farming as a career to find out more – and most of all it's a free, fun day out for families.”

Steve says Federated Farmers holds their Farmday events as a way of bridging the growing divide between rural and urban populations.

'Fewer urban people have connections with farming today and Farmday is a great way to help change that,” he says.

'Local farmers will be helping out and are happy to answer questions anyone may have.”

Fonterra will have a milk tanker on-site, while a local agricultural contractor will have heavy machinery on display.

There will also be a cattle dog demonstration, a petting zoo with farm animals and sheep shearing and drenching.

'Robyn and Andrew will also be milking cows so people can watch that in action,” adds Steve.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council will also be present, as will AgITO, with staff able to supply information about training programmes for the farming industry.

Local fire brigade volunteers will be manning barbecues with a gold coin donation for food they serve. Gumboot throwing competitions and a lolly scramble in a hay stack are among the attractions too.

Entry is free and those attending should wear suitable shoes and a hat and bring a drinks bottle.

BOP's Farmday 2015 is at 1189 Welcome Bay Road, and will be signposted from both ends of the road. Gates open 10am-2pm.